:Electoral history of Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton was born in Hope, Arkansas, in 1946.{{Cite web|title=William J. Clinton – The 42nd President of the United States|url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/william-j-clinton/|url-status=live|access-date=July 17, 2021|website=The White House|archive-date=September 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908213839/https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/william-j-clinton/}} After graduating from the Georgetown University, he won a Rhodes Scholarship to the University of Oxford. After receiving his Juris Doctor degree from the Yale Law School in 1973, he decided to compete in the 1974 congressional election in Arkansas's 3rd congressional district.{{Cite web|last=Britannica|first=The Editors of Encyclopaedia|date=June 9, 2021|title=Bill Clinton|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bill-Clinton|url-status=live|access-date=July 17, 2021|website=Encyclopædia Britannica|archive-date=May 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515230952/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bill-Clinton}} He announced his candidacy on February 25, 1974.{{Cite web|title=1974|url=https://clintonhousemuseum.org/announcement/bc-1974/|url-status=live|access-date=July 17, 2021|website=Clinton House Museum|archive-date=July 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717173037/https://clintonhousemuseum.org/announcement/bc-1974/}}{{Sfn|Kelly|1999|p=38}} At age 27, he was one of the youngest candidates for a congressional election in the nation. While campaigning, he addressed gatherings in small rural areas of the state. When addressing these gatherings, he often attacked Richard Nixon, the incumbent Republican president, for his policies on Vietnam, and his alleged involvement in the Watergate scandal.{{Sfn|Kelly|1999|p=40}} Two weeks before the Democratic primaries, he was able to raise $36,000 ({{Inflation|index=US|value=36,000|start_year=1974|fmt=eq}}) from donations.{{Sfn|Morris|1996|p=174}} He led the primaries with almost 44% of the popular vote, against relatively better-known opponents, including Arkansas state senator Gene Rainwater. Since no candidate got a majority of the vote in the primary, a runoff election was conducted between Clinton and Rainwater.{{Cite news|date=June 6, 1974|title=Clinton, Rainwater in run-off|work=The Baxter Bulletin|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82396211/clinton-rainwater-in-run-off/|access-date=July 29, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729112606/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82396211/clinton-rainwater-in-run-off/|url-status=live}} Clinton easily won the runoff, receiving 69% of the popular vote.{{Sfn|Kelly|1999|p=40}}

In the general election, he challenged the incumbent Republican representative John Paul Hammerschmidt. Clinton supported balancing the national budget, controlling inflation, reducing the size of the federal bureaucracy, and broadening federal aid for schools.{{Cite news|date=October 27, 1974|title=American Education Week|work=The Northwest Arkansas Times|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82396147/american-education-week/|access-date=July 29, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729124317/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82396147/american-education-week/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Clinton for Congress committee, George Shelion (chairman)|date=November 4, 1974|title=Bill Clinton believes that inflation is robbing the paychecks of our citizens|work=The Northwest Arkansas Times|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82395991/bill-clinton-democrat-for-congress/|access-date=July 29, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729112607/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82395991/bill-clinton-democrat-for-congress/|url-status=live}} He continued attacking Hammerschmidt for his support of Nixon, which successfully helped him to garner the support of some moderate Republican voters.{{Sfn|Kelly|1999|p=42}} Clinton said, "If we had the kind of congress we needed years ago, then we would not be facing this sad prospect."{{Cite news|last=Launius|first=Philip|date=August 15, 1974|title=Candidate still stressing strong Congress theme|work=The Baxter Bulletin|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82396307/candidate-still-stressing-strong/|access-date=July 29, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729124344/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82396307/candidate-still-stressing-strong/|url-status=live}} But soon after President Nixon's resignation on August 8, 1974, Clinton's lead faded as the country's attention turned to other matters.{{Sfn|Hamilton|2003|p=298}} In September, he was lagging in the polls with 23% support to Hammerschmidt's 59%. During the last weeks of campaigning, various newspapers, including the Arkansas Gazette, endorsed him. On election day, he lost the race to Hammerschmidt, receiving a little more than 48.2% of the popular vote against Hammerschmidt's almost 52%.{{Sfn|Hamilton|2003|p=298}} Clinton calls his 1974 congressional campaign the "best campaign" he ever ran.

{{Election box begin no change|title=1974 Democratic primary election results{{Cite news|date=June 5, 1974|title=Vote Totals Certified|work=The Courier News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86411966/vote-totals-certified/|access-date=October 3, 2021|archive-date=October 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003150719/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86411966/vote-totals-certified/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=June 5, 1974|title=Scanlon Endorsement|work=Hope Star|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86412174/scanlon-endorsement/|access-date=October 3, 2021|archive-date=October 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003150719/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86412174/scanlon-endorsement/|url-status=live}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Bill Clinton

|votes = 59,697

|percentage = 43.60%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Gene Rainwater

|votes = 36,145

|percentage = 26.40%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = David Stewart

|votes = 34,959

|percentage = 25.53%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = James A. Scanlon

|votes = 6,121

|percentage = 4.47%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 136,922

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=1974 Democratic primary runoff election results{{Sfn|Kelly|1999|p=40}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Bill Clinton

|votes = 37,788

|percentage = 68.96%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Gene Rainwater

|votes = 17,011

|percentage = 31.04%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 54,799

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=1974 Arkansas's 3rd congressional district election{{Sfn|Guide to U.S. Elections|2009|p=1297}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = John Paul Hammerschmidt (incumbent)

|votes = 89,324

|percentage = {{Percentage|89324|172354|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Bill Clinton

|votes = 83,030

|percentage = {{Percentage|83030|172354|2}}

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 172,354

|percentage = {{Percentage|172354|172354|2}}

}}

{{Election box hold with party link without swing|winner=Republican Party (US)}}

{{Election box end}}

After marrying Hillary Rodham in October 1975, Clinton decided to run in the Democratic primaries for the office of attorney general of Arkansas.{{Sfn|Kelly|1999|p=46}} The incumbent attorney general Jim Guy Tucker was not running in the re-election; he ran instead for United States Congress.{{Sfn|Morris|1996|p=188}} Clinton announced his campaign in the rotunda of the Arkansas State Capitol on March 6.{{Cite news|date=March 17, 1976|title=Bill Clinton To Run For State Office|work=The Northwest Arkansas Times|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82396637/bill-clinton-to-run-for-state-office/|access-date=July 29, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729115349/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82396637/bill-clinton-to-run-for-state-office/|url-status=live}} He supported mandatory prison terms for some crimes and the creation of an ombudsman position in the attorney general's office. He made bringing back "Law and Order" a central theme of his campaign.{{Cite news|last=Johnson|first=Peggy|date=May 5, 1976|title=Law and Order More than Talk|work=The Courier News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82396594/law-and-order-more-than-talk/|access-date=July 29, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729115348/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82396594/law-and-order-more-than-talk/|url-status=live}} George Jernigan, the secretary of state for Arkansas, and Clarence Cash, the deputy attorney general of Arkansas, challenged him.{{Sfn|Kelly|1999|p=47}} Clinton easily won the primary contest, getting over 55% of the popular vote.{{Sfn|1976 Arkansas election result|p=82}} Apart from organizing his campaign, he coordinated Jimmy Carter's 1976 presidential campaign in Arkansas.{{Cite news|date=May 22, 1980|title=Governor Clinton opposed again by elderly farmer|work=The Baxter Bulletin|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82463123/governor-clinton-opposed-again-by/|access-date=July 30, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731072218/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82463123/governor-clinton-opposed-again-by/|url-status=live}}{{Sfn|Morris|1996|p=200}} Witnessing his strong support during the primaries, Republicans did not nominate a candidate to run against him.{{Sfn|Kelly|1999|p=47}} Clinton won the general election unopposed. Just two months after assuming the office, the Arkansas Junior Chamber of Commerce named him the "Outstanding Young Man of the Year".{{Sfn|Morris|1996|p=203}} His experience as the attorney general was considered a natural "stepping-stone" to the governorship.{{Sfn|Kelly|1999|p=46}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=1976 Democratic primary election results{{Sfn|1976 Arkansas election result|p=82}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Bill Clinton

|votes = 273744

|percentage = {{Percentage|273744|491947|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = George Jernigan

|votes = 123819

|percentage = {{Percentage|123819|491947|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Clarence Cash

|votes = 94384

|percentage = {{Percentage|94384|491947|2}}

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 491947

|percentage = {{Percentage|491947|491947|2}}

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=1976 Arkansas Attorney General election results{{Sfn|1976 Arkansas election result|p=81}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Bill Clinton

|votes ={{Center|{{Efn|Clinton won the Arkansas Attorney General election unopposed.}}}}

|percentage = 100%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = {{Center|{{endash}}}}

|percentage = 100%

}}

{{Election box hold with party link without swing|winner=Democratic Party (US)}}

{{Election box end}}

File:Bill Clinton 1978.jpg Bill Clinton meets with President Jimmy Carter in 1978.]]

In 1978, David Pryor, the incumbent governor of Arkansas, announced that he would not seek a third term, and instead run for the United States Senate.{{Sfn|Kelly|1999|p=48}} In March 1978, just fourteen months after becoming attorney general, Clinton announced his candidacy for the gubernatorial election.{{Sfn|Morris|1996|p=206}} He was unsure whether to run for governor or the Senate seat being vacated by John L. McClellan. His initial intention was to run for the Senate, because of the difference in the length of tenure of each office,{{Efn|Clinton asserted that governors have to face re-election every two years, while senators have tenure for six years.{{Sfn|Maraniss|1996|p=353}}}}{{Sfn|Maraniss|1996|pp=352–353}} but ultimately decided to run in the gubernatorial primaries. As the state manager of Carter's successful 1976 presidential run, Clinton gained popularity among national Democratic leaders.{{Sfn|Kelly|1999|p=48}} In his announcement speech, he cited his experience as attorney general and said, "In the office I now have, I have gained precious experience in the workings of every aspect of state, county, and local government."{{Cite news|date=March 9, 1978|title=Attorney General Clinton announces for governor|work=The Baxter Bulletin|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82405773/attorney-general-clinton-announces-for/|access-date=July 29, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729172344/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82405773/attorney-general-clinton-announces-for/|url-status=live}} In the Democratic primaries, four minor candidates challenged him. He raised $600,000 ({{Inflation|index=US|value=600000|start_year=1978|fmt=eq}}) from fundraising,{{Sfn|Morris|1996|p=207}} and garnered support from the majority of labor organizations and the business community.{{Sfn|Maraniss|1996|p=353}}

The Arkansas Gazette endorsed Clinton and wrote that "He has extraordinary credentials, an unusual intellect and a dazzling personality to bring to bear upon the problems and opportunities that will confront the next governor."{{Cite news|last1=Germond|first1=Jack|author-link=Jack Germond|last2=Witcover|first2=Jules|author-link2=Jules Witcover|date=May 26, 1978|title=Bill Clinton, Arkansas' rising star|work=Tampa Bay Times|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82405010/bill-clinton-arkansas-rising-star/|access-date=July 29, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729155846/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82405010/bill-clinton-arkansas-rising-star/|url-status=live}} National columnists Jack Germond and Jules Witcover endorsed him and wrote articles supporting his campaign. Clinton easily won the primaries, receiving almost 60% of the popular vote.{{Sfn|Morris|1996|p=212}} In the general election, Lynn Lowe, a Republican official and farmer from Texarkana, challenged him.{{Sfn|Maraniss|1996|p=355}} During the final weeks of the campaign, Billy G. Geren, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, accused Clinton of dodging the draft during the Vietnam War.{{Sfn|Maraniss|1996|p=356}} Clinton dismissed Geren's claim and asserted he never received a draft determent. With no official documents to substantiate either side, the issue was soon forgotten.{{Sfn|Maraniss|1996|p=355}} On election day, Clinton easily won the governorship, receiving over 63% of the popular vote.{{Sfn|Maraniss|1996|p=357}} At 32 years old, he was Arkansas's, and the nation's youngest governor.{{Cite news|last=Simmons|first=Bill|date=November 8, 1978|title=Young Arkansas chief eyes next term already|work=Springfield News-Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82411307/young-arkansas-chief-eyes-next-term/|access-date=July 29, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729174042/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82411307/young-arkansas-chief-eyes-next-term/|url-status=live}} As the governor-elect, he proposed a pay rise of $2,400 for teachers for the following two fiscal years.{{Cite news|date=December 21, 1978|title=Clinton proposes teacher pay rise|work=The Baxter Bulletin|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82411852/clinton-proposes-teacher-pay-rise/|access-date=July 29, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729170342/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82411852/clinton-proposes-teacher-pay-rise/|url-status=live}} The New York Times called Clinton's victory "beyond traditional ideological terms".{{Sfn|Morris|1996|p=215}} Clinton later described his 1978 gubernatorial campaign as "running for class president".{{Sfn|Morris|1996|p=215}}

File:1978 Arkansas gubernatorial election results map by county.svg{{Election box begin no change|title=1978 Democratic primary election results{{Sfn|1978 Arkansas election result|p=34}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Bill Clinton

|votes = 341,098

|percentage = {{Percentage|341098|571702|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Joe Woodward

|votes = 123,684

|percentage = {{Percentage|123684|571702|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Frank Lady

|votes = 75,026

|percentage = {{Percentage|75026|571702|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Randall Mathis

|votes = 25,996

|percentage = {{Percentage|25996|571702|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Monroe Schwarzlose

|votes = 5,898

|percentage = {{Percentage|5898|571702|2}}

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 571,702

|percentage = {{Percentage|571702|571702|2}}

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=1978 Arkansas gubernatorial election{{Sfn|1978 Arkansas election result|p=39}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Bill Clinton

|votes = 338,684

|percentage = {{Percentage|338684|534299|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Lynn Lowe

|votes = 195,550

|percentage = {{Percentage|195550|534299|2}}

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 534,299

|percentage = {{Percentage|534299|534299|2}}

}}

{{Election box hold with party link without swing|winner=Democratic Party (US)}}

{{Election box end}}

{{See also|1980 Arkansas gubernatorial election}}{{Quote box

| quote = "You know what the number one issue was on the exit polls; why they voted against him [Bill Clinton]?"
{{endash}}"[because] His wife didn't have his name"

| author = Frank D. White

| source = Clinton's opponent in the 1980 gubernatorial election{{Sfn|Hamilton|2003|p=354}}

| align = right

| width = 300px

}}

During his governorship, Clinton worked on educational reform and directed the maintenance of Arkansas's roads. His wife Hillary Rodham led a successful committee on urban health care reform.{{Sfn|Maraniss|1996|pp=358–388}} Clinton became popular as a national leader, however, his term included an unpopular motor vehicle tax. Many citizens were angry over the escape of Cuban refugees (from the Mariel boatlift) detained at Fort Chaffee (AR) in 1980.{{Sfn|Maraniss|1996|pp=358–388}} On March 31, 1980, Clinton officially filed documents to seek a second term.{{Cite news|last=Simmons|first=Bill|date=April 1, 1980|title=Clinton, Bumpers seek second terms|work=The Times|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82463009/clinton-bumpers-seek-second-terms/|access-date=July 30, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731072218/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82463009/clinton-bumpers-seek-second-terms/|url-status=live}} In the Democratic primaries, Monroe Schwarzlose, a 78-year-old retired farmer,{{Cite news|date=May 8, 1980|title=Arkansas Governor Runs Into Firework Buzzsaw|work=The Daily Advertiser|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82463092/arkansas-governor-runs-into-firework/|access-date=July 30, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731072222/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82463092/arkansas-governor-runs-into-firework/|url-status=live}} who challenged him in the 1978 Democratic gubernatorial primaries ran against Clinton again.{{Cite news|last=Allen|first=Jim|date=May 8, 1980|title='Woodpile' Fires Campaign|work=The Tennessean|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82463077/woodpile-fires-campaign/|access-date=July 30, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730113943/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82463077/woodpile-fires-campaign/|url-status=live}} Clinton won the Democratic nomination, receiving almost 70% of the popular vote.{{Cite news|date=May 28, 1980|title=Clinton, White win primaries|work=Springfield News-Leader|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82463139/clinton-white-win-primaries/|access-date=July 30, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730114451/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82463139/clinton-white-win-primaries/|url-status=live}} In the general election, the Republican nominee Frank D. White challenged Clinton.{{Sfn|Kelly|1999|p=54}} White accused him of being out of touch with ordinary voters and claimed his policies had raised the tax burden on the middle class.{{Sfn|Kelly|1999|p=54}} He accused the first lady of being too independent and chastised her for not taking her husband's last name.{{Sfn|Kelly|1999|p=54}}

In late August, Clinton gave a speech at the 1980 Democratic National Convention.{{Cite news|last=Goltz|first=Sanford|date=August 28, 1980|title=When will liberals have new ideas?|work=La Crosse Tribune|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82463250/when-will-liberals-have-new-ideas/|access-date=July 30, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731072222/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82463250/when-will-liberals-have-new-ideas/|url-status=live}} When David S. Broder, a journalist for The Washington Post was asked to name two young people who would most likely be the president in the future, he said "I would choose Bill Clinton, the 34-year-old Governor of Arkansas for Democrats, and Jack Kemp, 45, Republican Congressman from Erie County, New York."{{Cite news|date=October 12, 1980|title=Most Likely To Succeed|work=Dayton Daily News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82463287/most-likely-to-succeed/|access-date=July 30, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730114444/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82463287/most-likely-to-succeed/|url-status=live}} In mid-October, Clinton told the press that "I have never felt more comfortable and at ease before an election",{{Sfn|Morris|1996|p=246}} confidently anticipating a victory; however White narrowly defeated him by a margin of just 3.9%.{{Cite news|date=November 5, 1980|title=Clinton Locked In Close Voting|work=The Oklahoman|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82463328/clinton-locked-in-close-voting/|access-date=July 30, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731072220/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82463328/clinton-locked-in-close-voting/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=November 9, 1980|title=Car tags, Cubans hurt governor|work=El Paso Times|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82463307/car-tags-cubans-hurt-governor/|access-date=July 30, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730113940/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82463307/car-tags-cubans-hurt-governor/|url-status=live}}

File:Arkansas Governor Election Results by County, 1980.svg{{Election box begin no change|title=1980 Democratic primary election results{{Sfn|1980 Arkansas election result|p=38}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Bill Clinton (incumbent)

|votes = 306,736

|percentage = {{Percentage|306736|445406|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Monroe Schwarzlose

|votes = 138,670

|percentage = {{Percentage|138670|445406|2}}

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 445,406

|percentage = {{Percentage|445406|445406|2}}

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=1980 Arkansas gubernatorial election{{Sfn|1980 Arkansas election result|p=48}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Frank D. White

|votes = 435,684

|percentage = {{Percentage|435684|838926|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Bill Clinton (incumbent)

|votes = 403,242

|percentage = {{Percentage|403242|838926|2}}

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 838,926

|percentage = {{Percentage|838926|838926|2}}

}}

{{Election box gain with party link without swing|winner=Republican Party (US)|loser=Democratic Party (US)}}

{{Election box end}}

File:Bill Clinton (37221476354).jpg

After losing the governorship in 1980, Clinton self-deprecatingly referred to himself as "the youngest former governor in the history of the country".{{Efn|Clinton humorously repeated the same in his 2016 Democratic National Convention speech; although he was not the youngest former governor is American history.}}{{Cite web|last=Ostermeier|first=Eric|date=July 27, 2016|title=Bill Clinton Was Not the Youngest Ex-Governor in History|url=https://smartpolitics.lib.umn.edu/2016/07/27/bill-clinton-was-not-the-youngest-ex-governor-in-history/|url-status=live|access-date=July 30, 2021|website=Smart Politics|archive-date=July 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731072222/https://smartpolitics.lib.umn.edu/2016/07/27/bill-clinton-was-not-the-youngest-ex-governor-in-history/}} He joined his friend Bruce Lindsey's Little Rock law firm of Wright, Lindsey, and Jennings.{{cite web|author=Jonathan W. Nicholsen|title=Bill Clinton Timeline|url=http://www.timeline-help.com/bill-clinton-timeline.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20111013012755/http://www.timeline-help.com/bill-clinton-timeline.html|archive-date=October 13, 2011|access-date=August 30, 2011|publisher=Timeline Help}} In early February 1982, Clinton announced his candidacy for the 1982 gubernatorial election.{{Sfn|Kelly|1999|p=58}} In a 30-second televised advertisement, he admitted making mistakes in his first term, but asked voters for their trust and support.{{Sfn|Maraniss|1996|pp=398–399}} While campaigning in late February, Hillary Rodham began referring to herself as "Mrs. Bill Clinton".{{Sfn|Maraniss|1996|p=400}}{{Cite news|date=April 1, 1982|title=A Look At The Governor's Race|work=The Madison County Record|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82471666/a-look-at-the-governors-race/|access-date=July 30, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730163514/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82471666/a-look-at-the-governors-race/|url-status=live}} Joe Purcell, a former lieutenant governor and attorney general of Arkansas, and Jim Guy Tucker, the representative for Arkansas's 2nd congressional district and a former attorney general, launched strong challenges against him in the Democratic primaries. Determined to undercut Tucker, Clinton claimed that Tucker was mostly absent from the House of Representatives during his tenure as a representative.{{Cite news|date=April 28, 1982|title=Political records examined|work=The Baxter Bulletin|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82471733/political-records-examined/|access-date=July 30, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730163537/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82471733/political-records-examined/|url-status=live}}

Clinton said he lost the 1980 election badly because he had been out of touch with the people.{{Cite news|date=May 23, 1982|title=Clinton keeps it down to earth in Arkansas comeback attempt|work=Fort Lauderdale News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82471907/clinton-keeps-it-down-to-earth-in/|access-date=July 30, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730163517/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82471907/clinton-keeps-it-down-to-earth-in/|url-status=live}} He said, "They [voters] elected him [Governor White] in a protest vote."{{Cite news|date=October 24, 1982|title=Ex-Arkansas 'Boy Wonder' Trying Again|work=The Oklahoman|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82472242/ex-arkansas-boy-wonder-trying-again/|access-date=July 30, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730180845/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82472242/ex-arkansas-boy-wonder-trying-again/|url-status=live}} While campaigning for the 1982 election, Clinton began appearing at town hall meetings, a relatively new format that helped him to maintain his popularity and get in touch with voters.{{Sfn|Kelly|1999|p=60}} He won almost 42% of the popular vote in the primary. Since no candidate won a majority, a runoff election was conducted between Clinton and Purcell.{{Sfn|Morris|1996|p=284}} Clinton won, defeating Purcell by almost 7.4% of the popular vote. Even after Clinton's victory, Purcell refused to endorse him for the general election.{{Sfn|Morris|1996|p=285}}{{Cite news|date=September 26, 1982|title=White takes a shot at Democrat unity|work=The Times|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82471941/white-takes-a-shot-at-democrat-unity/|access-date=July 30, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731072224/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82471941/white-takes-a-shot-at-democrat-unity/|url-status=live}} The rift was such that Purcell's campaign manager, Joe McCarty, headed a group called "Democrats for White" in the general election.

The general election was a re-match between Clinton and Governor White.{{Cite news|date=June 10, 1982|title=80 Rematch In Arkansas|work=The Charlotte Observer|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82472016/80-rematch-in-arkansas/|access-date=July 30, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731072225/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82472016/80-rematch-in-arkansas/|url-status=live}} Clinton removed many of his 1980 campaign staff members from his 1982 campaign team after being criticized for having too young a staff.{{Cite news|date=September 17, 1982|title=Arkansas|work=Kansas City Times|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82471868/arkansas/|access-date=July 30, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730180923/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82471868/arkansas/|url-status=live}} He appointed James Herbert Jones, better known as "Jimmie Red Jones," a former eight-term state auditor, as his campaign chairman. He proposed his plan for utility reform in Arkansas and supported the direct election of members of the Public Service Commission by a popular vote.{{Cite news|date=October 29, 1982|title=Governor's race is Bill Clinton – Frank White rematch|work=The Baxter Bulletin|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82472128/governors-race-is-bill-clinton-frank/|access-date=July 30, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730171044/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82472128/governors-race-is-bill-clinton-frank/|url-status=live}} Governor White criticized Clinton's televised campaign advertisements, referring to their claims as "totally erroneous".{{Cite news|date=June 3, 1982|title=Clinton's TV ads attacked by White|work=The Times|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82472070/clintons-tv-ads-attacked-by-white/|access-date=July 30, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731072223/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82472070/clintons-tv-ads-attacked-by-white/|url-status=live}} Clinton dismissed White's assertion, and condemned his decision to abolish the state Energy Department instead. Clinton defeated Governor White in the general election and became the first and only governor of Arkansas to be elected to non-consecutive terms.{{Cite news|date=November 3, 1982|title=Bill Clinton wins race in Arkansas|work=Shreveport Journal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82472181/bill-clinton-wins-race-in-arkansas/|access-date=July 30, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731072255/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82472181/bill-clinton-wins-race-in-arkansas/|url-status=live}}

File:1982 Arkansas gubernatorial election results map by county.svg{{Election box begin no change|title=1982 Democratic primary election results{{Sfn|1982 Arkansas election result|pp=19–20}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Bill Clinton

|votes = 236,961

|percentage = {{Percentage|236961|567125|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Joe Purcell

|votes = 166,066

|percentage = {{Percentage|166066|567125|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Jim Guy Tucker

|votes = 129,362

|percentage = {{Percentage|129362|567125|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Kim Hendren

|votes = 21,829

|percentage = {{Percentage|21829|567125|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Monroe Schwarzlose

|votes = 12,907

|percentage = {{Percentage|12907|567125|2}}

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 567,125

|percentage = {{Percentage|567125|567125|2}}

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=1982 Democratic primary runoff election results{{Sfn|1982 Arkansas election result|p=31}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Bill Clinton

|votes = 239,209

|percentage = {{Percentage|239209|445567|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Joe Purcell

|votes = 206,358

|percentage = {{Percentage|206358|445567|2}}

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 445,567

|percentage = {{Percentage|445567|445567|2}}

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=1982 Arkansas gubernatorial election{{Sfn|1982 Arkansas election result|p=36}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Bill Clinton

|votes = 431,855

|percentage = {{Percentage|431855|789351|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Frank D. White (incumbent)

|votes = 357,496

|percentage = {{Percentage|357496|789351|2}}

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 789,351

|percentage = {{Percentage|789351|789351|2}}

}}

{{Election box gain with party link without swing|winner=Democratic Party (US)|loser=Republican Party (US)}}

{{Election box end}}

During his second term as governor, Clinton called a special session of the state legislature to vote on his education agenda. After six weeks of debate, the legislature passed his agenda by a margin of one vote.{{Sfn|Kelly|1999|p=63}} In late 1983, the Arkansas state police arrested his half-brother Roger Clinton on drug charges.{{Sfn|Kelly|1999|p=63}} Clinton ordered the police to continue with their investigation against Roger. After Roger was arrested, Clinton held a press conference and said: "drugs are a curse which has reached epidemic proportion and has plagued the lives of millions of families in our nation, including many in our state".{{Sfn|Kelly|1999|pp=63–64}} Roger pleaded not guilty,{{Cite news|date=August 15, 1984|title=Ark-La-Tex|work=The Times|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82484015/ark-la-tex/|access-date=July 31, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731072256/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82484015/ark-la-tex/|url-status=live}} but was sentenced to three years in the central prison. Many of Clinton's opponents used his brother's drug conviction against him, hoping to prevent him from seeking another term; however, by late May, Clinton announced his candidacy for a third term.{{Cite news|date=May 25, 1984|title=Four Democrats, two Republicans vie for governorship|work=The Baxter Bulletin|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82483253/four-democrats-two-republicans-vie-for/|access-date=July 31, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731072222/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82483253/four-democrats-two-republicans-vie-for/|url-status=live}} Lonnie Turner, a former prosecutor, challenged Clinton in the Democratic primaries. He criticized Clinton for the Truck tax adopted by the state legislature. He said there is "anti-Clinton sentiment in the state due to the Truck tax, largely because the incumbent governor has not kept his word". However, Clinton easily won the primary, receiving almost 64.5% of the vote.

In the general election, Woody Freeman, a utility contractor and former Higher Education Commission chair, who won the Republican nomination, challenged Clinton.{{Cite news|last=Simmons|first=Bill|date=May 30, 1984|title=Clinton to face Freeman|work=The Baxter Bulletin|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82483549/clinton-to-face-freeman/|access-date=July 31, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731072223/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82483549/clinton-to-face-freeman/|url-status=live}} Clinton was invited to address the 1984 Democratic National Convention, where he invoked the memory of Harry S. Truman, and said "Harry Truman would tell us to forget about 1948, and stand for what Americans think in 1984."{{Cite news|last=Pierce|first=Neil R.|date=July 24, 1984|title=Cuomo is a 'mile short' for 1988|work=The Daily Times|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82483726/cuomo-is-a-mile-short-for-1988/|access-date=July 31, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731072223/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82483726/cuomo-is-a-mile-short-for-1988/|url-status=live}} Walter Mondale, the Democratic nominee for the presidency, appreciated and endorsed Clinton for the election.{{Cite news|date=August 15, 1984|title=Walter Mondale pledges sensible defense spending|work=The Baxter Bulletin|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82484112/walter-mondale-pledges-sensible-defense/|access-date=July 31, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731072223/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82484112/walter-mondale-pledges-sensible-defense/|url-status=live}} Clinton raised almost $100,000 ({{Inflation|index=US|value=100,000|start_year=1984|fmt=eq}}) to push a constitutional amendment on the 1984 ballot, increasing the length of the governor's tenure from to two to four years after the 1986 election. Holding the governorship would help him run for president in 1988 or 1992.{{Sfn|Morris|1996|p=330}} He called the 1984 election a "public referendum on his educational reform".{{Cite news|date=October 29, 1984|title=Clinton, Freeman take to the air waves, trade salvoes in gubernatorial campaign|work=The Baxter Bulletin|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82483860/clinton-freeman-take-to-the-air-waves/|access-date=July 31, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731072254/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82483860/clinton-freeman-take-to-the-air-waves/|url-status=live}} Despite a Republican landslide in the general election with Ronald Reagan winning 49 of the 50 states, Clinton won reelection, defeating Freeman by almost 25% of the popular vote.{{Cite news|date=November 7, 1984|title=Gubernatorial Races|work=Miami Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82484525/gubernatorial-races/|access-date=July 31, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731072252/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82484525/gubernatorial-races/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=November 7, 1984|title=GOP picks up governorships in Utah, R.I, N.C.|work=The Baltimore Sun|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82484249/gop-picks-up-governorships-in-utah/|access-date=July 31, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=July 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731072252/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82484249/gop-picks-up-governorships-in-utah/|url-status=live}} The public referendum for the four-year term was widely accepted, with almost 64.3% of the voters voting for it.{{Sfn|1984 Arkansas election result||p=62}}

File:1984 Arkansas gubernatorial election results map by county.svg{{Election box begin no change|title=1984 Democratic primary election results{{Sfn|1984 Arkansas election result|p=17}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Bill Clinton (incumbent)

|votes = 317,214

|percentage = {{Percentage|317214|492321|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Lonnie Turner

|votes = 119,264

|percentage = {{Percentage|119264|492321|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Kermit Moss

|votes = 31,727

|percentage = {{Percentage|31727|492321|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Monroe Schwarzlose

|votes = 24,116

|percentage = {{Percentage|24116|492321|2}}

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 492,321

|percentage = {{Percentage|492321|492321|2}}

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=1984 Arkansas gubernatorial election{{Sfn|1984 Arkansas election result|p=21}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Bill Clinton (incumbent)

|votes = 554,561

|percentage = {{Percentage|554561|886548|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Woody Freeman

|votes = 331,987

|percentage = {{Percentage|331987|886548|2}}

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 886,548

|percentage = {{Percentage|886548|886548|2}}

}}

{{Election box hold with party link without swing|winner=Democratic Party (US)}}

{{Election box end}}

In his third term as governor, Clinton served as the chairman of the Education Commission of the States,{{Cite news|last=Marquand|first=Robert|date=August 31, 1986|title=Arkansas duo works to push school reform|work=The Baltimore Sun|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82594083/arkansas-duo-works-to-push-school-reform/|access-date=August 1, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=August 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801160730/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82594083/arkansas-duo-works-to-push-school-reform/|url-status=live}} and the chairman of the National Governors Association from 1986 to 1987, bringing him to the attention of audiences beyond Arkansas.{{Cite web|title=Bill Clinton Political Career|url=http://cgi.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1996/candidates/democrat/clinton/political.career.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20020920104113/http://cgi.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1996/candidates/democrat/clinton/political.career.shtml|archive-date=September 20, 2002|access-date=September 20, 2002|website=CNN}}{{Cite news|date=August 26, 1986|title=Governors complete peaceful meeting|work=Eau Claire Leader-Telegram|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82595811/governors-complete-peaceful-meeting/|access-date=August 2, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=August 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801161425/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82595811/governors-complete-peaceful-meeting/|url-status=live}} His education reform agenda proved successful when the percentage of graduating seniors who moved onto college increased from 30% to 50%,{{Sfn|Kelly|1999|p=66}} though many teacher unions were protesting his "teachers' test" policy.{{Cite news|date=May 19, 1986|title=Governor|work=The Baxter Bulletin|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82595218/governor/|access-date=August 1, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=August 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801160726/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82595218/governor/|url-status=live}}

Former Arkansas governor Orval Faubus challenged him in the Democratic primary.{{Sfn|Hamilton|2003|p=441}} Long retired from politics, Faubus opposed Clinton's overly liberal policies.{{Sfn|Kelly|1999|p=66}} Meanwhile, Frank White, the former governor who defeated Clinton in 1980, was planning to challenge him again. By early June, Clinton secured his party's nomination, defeating Faubus with over 60% of the popular vote.{{Sfn|1986 Arkansas election result|p=14}} Frank White won the Republican nomination and said: "I did it [won election] before, I can do it again."{{Cite news|date=May 28, 1986|title=White holds lead in Republican race|work=The Baxter Bulletin|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82594021/white-holds-lead-in-republican-race/|access-date=August 1, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=August 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801160731/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82594021/white-holds-lead-in-republican-race/|url-status=live}} Clinton featured in a series of statewide television and newspaper ads, and a pamphlet campaign called "Make a Difference Arkansas", promoting state products. The White campaign criticized it and tried to stop their broadcast, calling the advertisements an "attempt by the Clinton campaign to circumvent campaign finance and reporting laws".{{Cite news|date=July 2, 1986|title=White wants Clinton's 'Buy Arkansas Campaign' pulled|work=The Baxter Bulletin|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82593655/white-wants-clintons-buy-arkansas/|access-date=August 1, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=August 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801160728/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82593655/white-wants-clintons-buy-arkansas/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=July 2, 1986|title=White hits Arkansas campaign|work=The Times|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82594129/white-hits-arkansas-campaign/|access-date=August 1, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=August 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801160728/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82594129/white-hits-arkansas-campaign/|url-status=live}} On election day, Clinton won the gubernatorial election for the fourth time. This time, he was elected to a four-year term.{{Cite news|date=November 5, 1986|title=Both Clinton, Bumpers win in Arkansas|work=Longview News-Journal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82595921/both-clinton-bumpers-win-in-arkansas/|url-status=live|access-date=August 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801160727/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82595921/both-clinton-bumpers-win-in-arkansas/|archive-date=August 1, 2021|via=Newspapers.com}}{{Sfn|Kelly|1999|p=67}}

File:1986 Arkansas gubernatorial election results map by county.svg{{Election box begin no change|title=1986 Democratic primary election results{{Sfn|1986 Arkansas election result|p=14}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Bill Clinton (incumbent)

|votes = 315,397

|percentage = {{Percentage|315397|520628|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Orval E. Faubus

|votes = 174,402

|percentage = {{Percentage|174402|520628|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = W. Dean Goldsby

|votes = 30,829

|percentage = {{Percentage|30829|520628|2}}

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 520,628

|percentage = {{Percentage|520628|520628|2}}

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=1986 Arkansas gubernatorial election{{Sfn|1986 Arkansas election result|pp=18–19}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Bill Clinton (incumbent)

|votes = 439,882

|percentage = {{Percentage|439882|688551|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Frank D. White

|votes = 248,427

|percentage = {{Percentage|248427|688551|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Write-in (politician)

|candidate = H. L. Clement

|votes = 113

|percentage = {{Percentage|113|688551|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Write-in (politician)

|candidate = Betty White

|votes = 109

|percentage = {{Percentage|109|688551|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Write-In (politician)

|candidate = H. Davidson

|votes = 14

|percentage = {{Percentage|14|688551|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Write-in (politician)

|candidate = C. Vance

|votes = 6

|percentage = {{Percentage|6|688551|2}}

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 688,551

|percentage = {{Percentage|688551|688551|2}}

}}

{{Election box hold with party link without swing|winner=Democratic Party (US)}}

{{Election box end}}

In his fourth term as governor, there was speculation that Clinton was a potential presidential candidate for the 1988 presidential election. Secretly, he sent his campaign workers to Iowa and New Hampshire, the states with the earliest presidential caucuses/primaries, to lay the groundwork for his campaign.{{Sfn|Kelly|1999|p=70}} By July 1987, he was prepared to announce his candidacy for the presidential nomination. However, in a press conference on July 15, 1987, he said he had decided not to compete in the primaries, because his family needed him more than his country.{{Sfn|Kelly|1999|p=71}} He was invited to deliver an address at the 1988 Democratic National Convention, where he endorsed Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis for the presidency.{{Sfn|Kelly|1999|p=73}} Dukakis lost the election to Republican nominee George H. W. Bush.{{Cite news|last=Boyd|first=Robert S.|date=November 9, 1988|title=Bush Is Elected President; Democrats Hold Congress|work=The Philadelphia Inquirer|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82663283/bush-is-elected-president-democrats/|access-date=August 2, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=August 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802155824/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82663283/bush-is-elected-president-democrats/|url-status=live}}

Clinton decided to seek a fifth term as Arkansas' governor. He filed the official papers for re-election on March 29, 1990, and said, "Now we have to focus on the next step, because every election is not about yesterday, it's about tomorrow."{{Cite news|date=March 20, 1990|title=Clinton announces; will seek 5th term|work=The Times|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82664128/clinton-announces-will-seek-5th-term/|access-date=August 2, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=August 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802174458/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82664128/clinton-announces-will-seek-5th-term/|url-status=live}} He promised to generate high-paying jobs by recruiting better-paying employers, and opposed efforts to repeal tax programs that draw business to Arkansas. Tom McRae, former president of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation challenged him.{{Sfn|Morris|1996|p=458}} Clinton easily secured the nomination by winning almost 55% of the popular vote in the primaries.{{Cite news|date=May 30, 1990|title=Clinton wins nomination for 5th term|work=Daily Herald|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82664636/clinton-wins-nomination-for-5th-term/|access-date=August 2, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=August 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802174456/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82664636/clinton-wins-nomination-for-5th-term/|url-status=live}} He began the 1990 campaign by saying that "the fire of an election no longer burns in me". While campaigning, he promised to serve a full term as the governor; however, in the aftermath of Dukakis's defeat, Clinton was one of the front-runners for the 1992 Democratic presidential nomination.{{Sfn|Kelly|1999|p=74}}

In the general election, Sheffield Nelson, the chairman of the Arkansas Republican Party, challenged Clinton. During the campaign, Nelson ran a series of advertisements, criticizing Clinton's tax and spending policies. This likely helped him boost his polling numbers, however, Clinton remained comfortably ahead in the final months of the campaign.{{Cite news|last=Suro|first=Robert|date=May 27, 1990|title=Arkansas Republicans fight for crack at Clinton|work=The News & Observer|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82664521/arkansas-republicans-fight-for-crack-at/|access-date=August 2, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=August 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802174456/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82664521/arkansas-republicans-fight-for-crack-at/|url-status=live}}{{Sfn|Morris|1996|p=459}}{{Sfn|Maraniss|1996|pp=456–457}} On election day, Clinton defeated Nelson, winning over 57% of the popular vote.{{Cite news|date=November 10, 1990|title=Election Dance|work=Austin American-Statesman|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82652913/election-dance/|access-date=August 2, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=August 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802174456/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82652913/election-dance/|url-status=live}}

File:1990 Arkansas gubernatorial election results map by county.svg

{{Election box begin no change|title=1990 Democratic primary election results{{Sfn|1990 Arkansas election result|pp=3–5}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Bill Clinton (incumbent)

|votes = 269,329

|percentage = {{Percentage|269329|491146|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Tom McRae

|votes = 190,887

|percentage = {{Percentage|190887|491146|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Joe Holmes

|votes = 9,659

|percentage = {{Percentage|9659|491146|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Jerry Tolliver

|votes = 8,629

|percentage = {{Percentage|8629|491146|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = O. O. "Woodrow" Wilson

|votes = 8,341

|percentage = {{Percentage|8341|491146|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Cyrus Young

|votes = 4,301

|percentage = {{Percentage|4301|491146|2}}

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 491,146

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=1990 Arkansas gubernatorial election{{Sfn|1990 Arkansas election result|pages=55–56}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Bill Clinton (incumbent)

|votes = 400,386

|percentage = {{Percentage|400386|696414|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Sheffield Nelson

|votes = 295,925

|percentage = {{Percentage|295925|696414|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Independent (politician)

|candidate = Elton White

|votes = 81

|percentage = {{Percentage|81|696414|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Independent (politician)

|candidate = Benjamin Paul Talbot, Jr.

|votes = 22

|percentage = {{Percentage|22|696414|2}}

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 696,414

|percentage = {{Percentage|696414|696414|2}}

}}

{{Election box hold with party link without swing|winner=Democratic Party (US)}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Main|Bill Clinton 1992 presidential campaign}}

File:Bill Clinton 1992.jpg

Soon after the 1990 Arkansas gubernatorial election, there was again speculation that Clinton was a potential presidential candidate for the 1992 presidential election.{{Cite news|date=November 11, 1990|title=Best bets for 1992: Cuomo and Chiles|work=Hattiesburg American|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82652904/best-bets-for-1992-cuomo-and-chiles/|access-date=August 3, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=August 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803101753/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82652904/best-bets-for-1992-cuomo-and-chiles/|url-status=live}} Although he initially declined to run for the presidency, he declared his candidacy in early October 1991.{{Cite news|date=October 4, 1991|title=Clinton makes presidential campaign official|work=The Daily Journal|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82672011/clinton-makes-presidential-campaign/|access-date=August 3, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=August 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803101748/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82672011/clinton-makes-presidential-campaign/|url-status=live}} With President Bush{{'s}} approval rating skyrocketing after Operation Desert Storm, high-profile Democratic Party candidates, such as Mario Cuomo and Jesse Jackson, refused to seek the Democratic nomination.{{Cite news|last=Balz|first=Dan|date=1991-12-21|title=Cuomo Rejects Bid for President in '92|language=en-US|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1991/12/21/cuomo-rejects-bid-for-president-in-92/dd216a6c-3581-46d5-b5ad-e2ce48a16cfe/|access-date=2021-04-26|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=June 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608051614/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1991/12/21/cuomo-rejects-bid-for-president-in-92/dd216a6c-3581-46d5-b5ad-e2ce48a16cfe/|url-status=live}} In the lead-in to the 1992 New Hampshire Democratic primary, scandal rocked the Clinton campaign when Gennifer Flowers told reporters of her 12-year sexual affair with Clinton.{{Cite news|last=Zelizer|first=Julian|date=April 6, 2016|title=Bill Clinton's nearly forgotten 1992 sex scandal|work=CNN|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2016/04/06/opinions/zelizer-presidential-election-campaign-scandals-bill-clinton/index.html|access-date=August 3, 2021|archive-date=August 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803101752/https://edition.cnn.com/2016/04/06/opinions/zelizer-presidential-election-campaign-scandals-bill-clinton/index.html|url-status=live}} At the same time, Clinton was accused of misleading the U.S. Army Reserve to avoid service in the Vietnam War.{{Cite news|last=Ifill|first=Gwen|date=February 7, 1992|title=The 1992 Campaign: Democrats; Vietnam War Draft Status Becomes Issue for Clinton|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/02/07/us/the-1992-campaign-democrats-vietnam-war-draft-status-becomes-issue-for-clinton.html|access-date=August 3, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=April 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428221631/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/02/07/us/the-1992-campaign-democrats-vietnam-war-draft-status-becomes-issue-for-clinton.html|url-status=live}} Bill and Hillary Clinton denied the sexual misconduct allegations in an interview with Steve Kroft on an episode of 60 Minutes airing after Super Bowl XXVI.{{Cite news|date=February 1, 2013|title=Hillary's first joint interview {{endash}} next to Bill in '92|work=CBS|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hillarys-first-joint-interview-next-to-bill-in-92/|access-date=August 3, 2021|archive-date=August 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803101749/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hillarys-first-joint-interview-next-to-bill-in-92/|url-status=live}}

Though Jerry Brown was leading in the polls in September 1991, Clinton's lead eventually increased, and he became the front runner. He lost the Iowa caucus to Tom Harkin, getting only 2.8% of the votes; he lost the New Hampshire primary to Paul Tsongas.{{cite web|date=February 11, 1992|title=Harkin Scores Record Victory in Iowa Caucus|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-02-11-mn-1608-story.html|access-date=August 3, 2021|website=Los Angeles Times|archive-date=April 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428222225/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-02-11-mn-1608-story.html|url-status=live}} After coming in second place in New Hampshire, he delivered a speech labeling himself "The Comeback Kid", which re-energized his campaign.{{cite web|last=Dickerson|first=John|date=2015-07-08|title=Whistlestop: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Bill Clinton in 1992|url=https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2015/07/how-bill-clinton-earned-the-nickname-the-comeback-kid-during-the-1992-democratic-primary.html|access-date=2021-04-26|website=Slate Magazine|archive-date=April 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429143949/https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2015/07/how-bill-clinton-earned-the-nickname-the-comeback-kid-during-the-1992-democratic-primary.html|url-status=live}} After Harkin dropped out of the race, Clinton won eight of the 11 contests on Super Tuesday and won most of the primaries after that. After the North Dakota primary, Paul Tsongas dropped out, leaving only Clinton and Brown in the race.{{cite web|title=Dispute Over Democratic Vote in North Dakota Primary|url=https://apnews.com/article/f208dd21fac9870a2f414c0ebf44de6e|url-status=live|access-date=2021-04-26|website=Associated Press|archive-date=April 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428173332/https://apnews.com/article/f208dd21fac9870a2f414c0ebf44de6e}} Although Brown continued to campaign in several states, he won no more primaries. Despite this, he still had a sizable number of delegates, and a big win in his home state of California would have deprived Clinton of sufficient support to win the nomination.{{Cite web|last=Elving|first=Ron|date=June 2, 2016|title=How All Those Other States Spoiled California's Primary Story|url=https://www.npr.org/2016/06/02/480091678/how-all-those-other-states-spoiled-californias-primary-story|url-status=live|access-date=August 3, 2021|website=NPR|archive-date=April 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428172521/https://www.npr.org/2016/06/02/480091678/how-all-those-other-states-spoiled-californias-primary-story}}

After getting enough delegates to win the convention, Clinton shortlisted six potential vice presidential candidates, which included:

• Al Gore – Senator from Tennessee (1985–1993)
• Bob Graham – Senator from Florida (1987–2005)
• Jay Rockefeller – Senator from West Virginia (1985–2015)
• Harris Wofford – Senator from Pennsylvania (1991–1995)
• Bob Kerrey – Senator from Nebraska (1989–2001)
• Lee H. Hamilton – Representative from Indiana's 9th congressional district (1965–1999)

Former Deputy Secretary of State Warren Christopher led Clinton's vice-presidential selection team.{{cite magazine|last=Clinton|first=Bill|date=March 24, 2013|title=Bill Clinton on Former Secretary of State Warren Christopher|language=en-US|magazine=Time|url=http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2061226,00.html|access-date=August 3, 2021|issn=0040-781X|archive-date=April 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427150310/http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2061226,00.html|url-status=live}} Ultimately, Clinton chose Gore, a senator from Tennessee, who sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 1988.{{cite web|last=Lauter|first=David|date=July 10, 1992|title=Clinton Picks Gore as Running Mate in Break With Tradition : Democrats: Arkansas governor rejects geographical balance in choosing the Tennessee senator. Strategists believe his moderate positions can help unite divided party.|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-07-10-mn-1845-story.html|url-status=live|access-date=August 3, 2021|website=Los Angeles Times|archive-date=April 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426105951/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-07-10-mn-1845-story.html}} In making the selection, Clinton emphasized Gore's experience with foreign policy and environmental issues. He appeared on The Arsenio Hall Show on Wednesday, June 3, 1992, the day after he secured the Democratic Party nomination and played "Heartbreak Hotel" on the saxophone. This was considered an important moment in the campaign, as it helped him build popularity among young voters.{{Cite news|last=Zurawik|first=David|date=December 27, 1992|title=Bill Clinton's sax solo on 'Arsenio' still resonates Memorable Moments|work=The Baltimore Sun|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1992-12-27-1992362178-story.html|access-date=August 3, 2021|archive-date=June 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621073331/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1992-12-27-1992362178-story.html|url-status=live}} Clinton received a significant poll bounce from the convention, because of the perceived success of the convention and independent presidential candidate Ross Perot announcing his withdrawal from the campaign hours before Clinton{{'s}} acceptance speech.{{Cite news|last=Lichfield|first=John|date=July 16, 1992|title=Perot pulls out of campaign: Bush and Clinton scramble to woo billionaire's dwindling supporters|work=The Independent|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/perot-pulls-out-of-campaign-bush-and-clinton-scramble-to-woo-billionaire-s-dwindling-supporters-1533618.html|access-date=August 3, 2021|archive-date=August 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803101748/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/perot-pulls-out-of-campaign-bush-and-clinton-scramble-to-woo-billionaire-s-dwindling-supporters-1533618.html|url-status=live}} He was officially nominated as the candidate, receiving 3,372 delegates.{{cite web|date=July 28, 2016|title=Setting the convention stages: Facts and firsts|url=https://www.aei.org/politics-and-public-opinion/setting-the-convention-stages-facts-and-firsts/|url-status=live|access-date=August 3, 2021|website=American Enterprise Institute – AEI|archive-date=April 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428213915/https://www.aei.org/politics-and-public-opinion/setting-the-convention-stages-facts-and-firsts/}}

Soon after the convention, Clinton and Gore traveled around the country by bus campaigning.{{Cite news|last=Fairhall|first=John|date=July 20, 1992|title=Clinton-Gore bus tour draws enthusiastic crowds|work=The Baltimore Sun|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1992-07-20-1992202090-story.html|access-date=August 4, 2021|archive-date=August 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805052432/https://www.baltimoresun.com/|url-status=live}} In the general election, Clinton challenged the incumbent, President Bush, and businessman Ross Perot, who by early October had re-entered the race.{{cite news|date=October 2, 1992|title=The Uses of Ross Perot|work=The New York Times|location=New York|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/10/02/opinion/the-uses-of-ross-perot.html|access-date=August 4, 2021|archive-date=November 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122210955/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/10/02/opinion/the-uses-of-ross-perot.html|url-status=live}} The Bush campaign used various attack ads against Clinton, criticizing him over tax increases during his governorship, and his inconsistency on major issues like term limits and defense.{{Cite web|title=The Living Room Candidate – Commercials – 1992 – Gray Dot|url=http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1992/gray-dot|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610041704/http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1992/gray-dot|archive-date=June 10, 2021|access-date=August 4, 2021|website=Living Room candidate}} Clinton's political advisor, James Carville, coined the phrase "It's the economy, stupid", which was often used to attack the Bush campaign.{{Cite web|last=Boyette|first=John|title=Column: 'It's the economy, stupid' as true today as in 1992|url=https://www.postandcourier.com/aikenstandard/opinion/column-its-the-economy-stupid-as-true-today-as-in-1992/article_68d78e91-94c6-5f4a-860c-c97684f5e8c6.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609162506/https://www.postandcourier.com/aikenstandard/opinion/column-its-the-economy-stupid-as-true-today-as-in-1992/article_68d78e91-94c6-5f4a-860c-c97684f5e8c6.html|archive-date=June 9, 2021|access-date=August 3, 2021|website=The Post and Courier}} Clinton was praised widely for his performance in the presidential debates, which likely helped him keep his polling numbers high.{{Cite news|last=Siddiqui|first=Sabrina|date=October 16, 2012|title=Bill Clinton Won 1992 Town Hall Debate By Engaging With One Voter|work=HuffPost|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/bill-clinton-debate_n_1971685|access-date=August 4, 2021|archive-date=August 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804120904/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/bill-clinton-debate_n_1971685|url-status=live}} On election day, Clinton defeated Bush winning 370 electoral votes, and 43% of the popular vote,{{Sfn|1992 United States presidential election result}} to become the 42nd president.{{Cite news|last=Hardy|first=Thomas|date=November 4, 1992|title=Clinton elected president|work=Chicago Tribune|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82338334/clinton-elected-president/|access-date=August 4, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=August 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805052432/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82338334/clinton-elected-president/|url-status=live}}

{{Multiple image

| direction = vertical

| total_width = 350

| image1 = 1992 Democratic presidential primaries popular vote.svg

| alt1 = First instance vote by state and territory of the 1992 Democratic Party presidential primaries

| caption1 = First instance vote by state and territory of the 1992 Democratic Party presidential primaries
{{legend0|#6c00e8|Bill Clinton}} {{legend0|#e56cbf|Jerry Brown}} {{legend0|#ffff00|Paul Tsongas}} {{legend0|#41bf1a|Tom Harkin}} {{legend0|#1c86a4|Bob Kerrey}}

|alt2 = Electoral college map of the 1992 United States presidential election. Blue and Red states depict states won by Democratic and Republican party respectively

| caption2 = Electoral college map of the 1992 United States presidential election

| image2 = ElectoralCollege1992.svg

}}{{Election box begin no change|title=1992 Democratic Party presidential primaries{{Sfn|Guide to U.S. Elections|2009|pp=451–452}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Bill Clinton

|votes = 10,482,411

|percentage = {{Percentage|10482411|20239385|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Jerry Brown

|votes = 4,071,232

|percentage = {{Percentage|4071232|20239385|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Paul Tsongas

|votes = 3,656,010

|percentage = {{Percentage|3656010|20239385|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate no change

|party = {{endash}}

|candidate = Uncommitted

|votes = 750,873

|percentage = {{Percentage|750873|20239385|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Bob Kerrey

|votes = 318,457

|percentage = {{Percentage|318457|20239385|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Tom Harkin

|votes = 280,304

|percentage = {{Percentage|280304|20239385|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate no change

|party = Other

|candidate = Various candidates

|votes = 679,019

|percentage = {{Percentage|679019|20369365|2}}

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 20,239,385

|percentage = {{Percentage|20239385|20239385|2}}

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Main|Bill Clinton 1996 presidential campaign}}

File:Photograph of President William Jefferson Clinton addressing a crowd (cropped 2).jpg addressing a crowd at one of his 1996 re-election campaign rallies|upright=1.5]]

In his first term as the president, Clinton signed the North American Free Trade Agreement into law.{{Cite news|last=Glass|first=Andrew|date=December 8, 2018|title=Clinton signs NAFTA into law, Dec. 8, 1993|work=Politico|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2018/12/08/clinton-signs-nafta-into-law-dec-8-1993-1040789|access-date=August 4, 2021|archive-date=June 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603174514/https://www.politico.com/story/2018/12/08/clinton-signs-nafta-into-law-dec-8-1993-1040789|url-status=live}} His handling of the federal budget and the Bosnian War likely helped him keep his approval ratings high, and most of the polls showed him leading.{{Sfn|Harris|2005|p=221}} His approval ratings were in the 40% to 50% range.{{Cite journal|last=Newman|first=Brian|date=2002|title=Bill Clinton's Approval Ratings: The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/3088079|journal=Political Research Quarterly|volume=55|issue=4|pages=781–804|doi=10.1177/106591290205500403|jstor=3088079|s2cid=154517849|url-access=subscription|access-date=August 4, 2021|archive-date=April 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420052033/https://www.jstor.org/stable/3088079|url-status=live}} Facing no major threat within the Democratic party, he won the primary election, receiving over 88% of the popular vote.{{Sfn|Guide to U.S. Elections|2009|pp=460–461}} To accept the nomination, Clinton campaigned on a train named "21st Century Express", traveling through West Virginia, Ohio, and Michigan on the way to Illinois, three crucial states for his re-election.{{Sfn|Harris|2005|p=246}} He was re-nominated by the Democratic party in the 1996 Democratic National Convention, receiving 4277 of the 4289 delegates' votes.

In the general election, Republicans nominated 73-year-old Senate majority leader, Bob Dole, as their presidential nominee.{{Cite news|last=Levy|first=Michael|date=October 29, 2020|title=United States presidential election of 1996|work=Encyclopedia Britannica|url=https://www.britannica.com/event/United-States-presidential-election-of-1996|access-date=August 4, 2021|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514041440/https://www.britannica.com/event/United-States-presidential-election-of-1996|url-status=live}} Texas businessman Ross Perot, who had previously run in the 1992 presidential election as an Independent candidate, announced his candidacy for the 1996 presidential election as the Reform Party{{'s}} candidate.{{Cite news|date=July 10, 2019|title=Ross Perot, billionaire and ex-presidential candidate, dies at 89|work=BBC|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48927718|access-date=August 4, 2021|archive-date=July 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709170949/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48927718|url-status=live}} The Clinton campaign avoided mentioning Dole{{'s}} age directly, instead choosing to confront it in more subtle ways such as the campaign slogan "Building Bridges to the Future" in contrast to Dole{{'s}} frequent remarks he was building a "bridge to the past".{{cite web|last=Lewis|first=Matt|date=September 25, 2008|title=McCain and Obama Can Learn A Lot From Past Debaters|url=http://townhall.com/columnists/mattlewis/2008/09/25/mccain_and_obama_can_learn_a_lot_from_past_debaters|access-date=August 18, 2016|website=Townhall.com|quote=It's the age of his ideas that I question|archive-date=October 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026182040/http://townhall.com/columnists/mattlewis/2008/09/25/mccain_and_obama_can_learn_a_lot_from_past_debaters|url-status=live}}

On election day, Clinton won a decisive victory over Dole, becoming the first Democrat to win two consecutive presidential elections since Franklin D. Roosevelt.{{cite news|title=Clinton Rides Landslide First Democrat To Be Re-Elected Since Roosevelt {{!}} The Spokesman-Review|work=Spokesman.com|url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1996/nov/06/clinton-rides-landslide-first-democrat-to-be-re/|access-date=5 August 2021|archive-date=August 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804180318/https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1996/nov/06/clinton-rides-landslide-first-democrat-to-be-re/|url-status=live}} He received 379 electoral votes to Dole's 159.{{Cite journal|last=McKay|first=D.|date=1997|title=Campaigning as Governing: The 1996 US Presidential Elections|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/44484016|journal=Government and Opposition|volume=32|issue=a|pages=25–38|doi=10.1111/j.1477-7053.1997.tb01207.x|jstor=44484016|s2cid=144321865 |url-access=subscription|access-date=August 4, 2021}} Clinton's victory helped to cement Democratic presidential control in California, Vermont, Maine, Illinois, New Jersey, and Connecticut; all voted Democrat in every subsequent presidential election.{{Cite web |title=Electoral Map: Blue or Red States Since 2000 |url=https://www.270towin.com/content/blue-and-red-states |url-status=live |access-date=November 8, 2021 |website=270 to Win |archive-date=October 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016210411/https://www.270towin.com/content/blue-and-red-states }} File:ElectoralCollege1996.svg map of the 1996 United States presidential election. Blue and Red states depict states won by Democratic and Republican party respectively.]]

{{Election box begin no change|title=1996 Democratic Party presidential primaries{{Sfn|Guide to U.S. Elections|2009|pp=460–461}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Bill Clinton (incumbent)

|votes = 9,730,184

|percentage = {{Percentage|9730184|10996395|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Lyndon LaRouche

|votes = 597,081

|percentage = {{Percentage|597081|10996395|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate no change

|party = {{endash}}

|candidate = Uncommitted

|votes = 423,265

|percentage = {{Percentage|423265|10996395|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Elvena Lloyd-Duffie

|votes = 92,435

|percentage = {{Percentage|92435|10996395|2}}

}}

{{Election box candidate no change

|party = Other

|candidate = Various candidates

|votes = 153,430

|percentage = {{Percentage|153430|10996395|2}}

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 10,996,395

|percentage = {{Percentage|10996395|10996395|2}}

}}

{{Election box end}}

File:President William Jefferson Clinton in the 1997 inaugural parade (cropped).jpeg parade]]

• Electoral history of Hillary Clinton
• Electoral history of Al Gore
• Electoral history of George W. Bush
• Electoral history of Ronald Reagan
• Electoral history of Richard Nixon
• Electoral history of Kamala Harris

{{notelist}}

{{reflist|3}}

{{Refbegin|2}}

• {{Cite web|last=Riviere|first=Paul|year=1980|title=1976 Arkansas Election {{endash}} A Compilation of Primary Run-off & General Election Results for State & District Offices|ref={{sfnRef|1976 Arkansas election result}}|url=https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/elections/1976%20Election%20Results.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=July 5, 2021|website=Secretary of State of Arkansas|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183321/https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/elections/1976%20Election%20Results.pdf}}
• {{Cite web|last=Riviere|first=Paul|year=1979|title=1978 Arkansas Elections {{endash}} A compilation of Primary, Run-off and General Election Results for State & District Offices|ref={{sfnRef|1978 Arkansas election result}}|url=https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/elections/1978%20Election%20Results.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=July 11, 2021|website=Secretary of State of Arkansas|archive-date=July 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711143747/https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/elections/1978%20Election%20Results.pdf}}
• {{Cite web|last=Riviere|first=Paul|date=1982|title=1980 Arkansas Elections {{endash}} A Compilation of Primary, Run-off & General Election Results for State and District Offices|ref={{sfnRef|1980 Arkansas election result}}|url=https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/elections/1980%20Election%20Results.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=July 13, 2021|website=Secretary of State of Arkansas|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185132/https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/elections/1980%20Election%20Results.pdf}}
• {{Cite web|last=Riviere|first=Paul|date=1983|title=1982 Arkansas Election {{endash}} A Compilation of Primary, Run-off & General Election Results for State & District Offices|ref={{sfnRef|1982 Arkansas election result}}|url=https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/elections/1982%20Election%20Results.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=July 13, 2021|website=Secretary of State of Arkansas|archive-date=July 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713144149/https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/elections/1982%20Election%20Results.pdf}}
• {{Cite web|last=McCuen|first=W. J. "Bill"|date=1984|title=Arkansas Election Result 1984|ref={{sfnRef|1984 Arkansas election result}}|url=https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/elections/1984%20Election%20Results.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=July 14, 2021|website=Secretary of State of Arkansas|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183711/https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/elections/1984%20Election%20Results.pdf}}
• {{Cite web|last=McCuen|first=W. J. "Bill"|date=1986|title=Arkansas Election Result 1986|ref={{sfnRef|1986 Arkansas election result}}|url=https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/elections/1986%20Election%20Results.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=July 14, 2021|website=Secretary of State of Arkansas|archive-date=December 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201115718/https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/elections/1986%20Election%20Results.pdf}}
• {{Cite web|last=McCuen|first=W. J. "Bill"|date=1990|title=Arkansas Election Results 1990|ref={{sfnRef|1990 Arkansas election result}}|url=https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/elections/1990_Election_results.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=July 14, 2021|website=Secretary of State of Arkansas|archive-date=December 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201120723/https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/elections/1990_Election_results.pdf}}
• {{Cite web|date=1993|title=Federal Election 92 {{endash}} Election Results for the U.S. President, the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives|ref={{sfnRef|1992 United States presidential election result}}|url=https://www.fec.gov/resources/cms-content/documents/federalelections92.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=July 16, 2021|website=Federal Election Commission|archive-date=March 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321162347/https://www.fec.gov/resources/cms-content/documents/federalelections92.pdf}}
• {{Cite web|date=1993|title=Federal Election 96 {{endash}} Election Results for the U.S. President, the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives|url=https://www.fec.gov/resources/cms-content/documents/federalelections96.pdf|ref={{sfnRef|1996 United States presidential election result}}|url-status=live|access-date=July 17, 2021|website=Federal Election Commission|archive-date=April 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401230129/https://www.fec.gov/resources/cms-content/documents/federalelections96.pdf}}

{{Refend}}

{{Refbegin|2}}

• {{Cite book|title=Guide to U.S. Elections|publisher=SAGE Publications|year=2009|isbn=978-1-60426-536-1|ref={{sfnRef|Guide to U.S. Elections|2009}}}}
• {{Cite book|last=Kelly|first=Michael|title=Bill Clinton|publisher=Chelsea House Publishers|year=1999|isbn=978-0-7910-4700-2|lccn=98013775|ol=354073M}}
• {{Cite book|last=Morris|first=Roger|title=Partners in Power: The Clintons and their America|publisher=Henry Holt and Company|year=1996|isbn=978-0-8050-2804-1|lccn=96017112|ol=22298101M}}
• {{Cite book|last=Hamilton|first=Nigel|title=Bill Clinton: An American Journey|publisher=Random House|year=2003|isbn=978-0-375-50610-9|lccn=2003046804|ol=3684943M}}
• {{Cite book|last=Maraniss|first=David|title=First in His Class {{endash}} The Biography of Bill Clinton|publisher=Simon & Schuster|year=1996|isbn=978-0-684-81890-0|lccn=95044894|ol=26641524M}}
• {{Cite book|last=Harris|first=John F.|title=The Survivor : Bill Clinton in The White House|publisher=Random House|year=2005|isbn=978-0-375-50847-9|ol=23273754M}}

{{Refend}}

• [http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/websites/cg96/ Clinton{{Endash}}Gore 1996 website]

{{-}}

{{USPresidentsElectoralHistory}}

{{Bill Clinton}}

Category:Bill Clinton

Clinton, Bill

Clinton, Bill